Follow the author of this article

Follow the topics within this article

Liverpool have moved to solve their goalkeeper problem by making a world record £62 million bid for Roma’s Alisson.

The Italian club, which is also fending off interest from Chelsea for their Brazilian number one, have indicated they want £66 million.

Negotiations continue, but the mood has shifted on Merseyside and in Rome over the last 24 hours as the clubs edge closer to a deal.

Chelsea are also interested in the 25-year-old, who may eventually have his choice of Premier League clubs. Liverpool are aware of the Londoners’ efforts but hope their long-term interest in the keeper gives them the upper hand.

Having suggested Alisson was not for sale at any price earlier in the transfer window, Roma’s position has shifted significantly.

After making such a statement with their offer, it is unlikely Liverpool will be put off by the asking price. The fact a fee has been set offers encouragement.

For the last two months, Roma tough stance halted any chance of progress. Roma felt stung by Liverpool when they sold Mohamed Salah for £39 million last summer so were sure to seek full value this year.

Chelsea, uncertain over the future of Thibaut Courtois, also entered the race making it harder for interested clubs to haggle over the extraordinary fee.

Liverpool’s need for a new number one is obvious.

Karius received severe criticism after two unfathomable errors gifted Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale goals in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League fina win in May, but Klopp was already considering a new goalkeeper before that poor performance.

Tentative inquiries for Alisson were rebuffed in the last transfer window in January.

Karius has received public support from his manager, but he made another error in his club’s pre-season friendly at Tranmere Rovers last week. Klopp has also suggested Wales' Danny Ward can challenge for the number one jersey, an indication of how vulnerable Karius’ position.

The preference has always been to buy a new keeper, but only at the right price.

Klopp is known for his patience, preferring to wait for those he really wants rather than work through a list of targets.

Even if he secures Alisson, the player will not be available for pre-season training until after Liverpool’s tour of the USA given he is on holiday following his World Cup commitments with Brazil.

Karius, inevitably, faces an uncertain future regardless of the outcome of the Alisson chase. He knew he faced a challenge, not just to convince his manager, but his own supporters he can make a swift recovery after the events in Kiev.

Liverpool's bid has shown how eager Klopp is to remedy the situation immediately.

The reality is the damage of Karius' European performance can only be fixed long-term. Confidence must be repaired on and off the pitch, and that is impossible without successive high-class performances.

Every detail of his displays in the near future will be forensically examined, creating an unhealthy pressure on the player and his club heading into the new season.

Liverpool’s last two friendly games against lower league opponents indicated what will come with more ferocity at away venues when the Premier League fixtures start, Karius mocked by rival fans. That in itself could be shrugged off if he proved he is in the right state to deal with such pressure, but another basic mistake against Tranmere was a worrying reminder of the young keeper’s fallibilities.